1 ensconce | Definition of ensconce

ensconce

verb
en·​sconce | \ in-ˈskän(t)s How to pronounce ensconce (audio) \
ensconced; ensconcing

Definition of ensconce

transitive verb

1 : shelter, conceal ensconced themselves within the protection of three great elms— Mark Twain
2 : establish, settle ensconced in a new job

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Synonyms for ensconce

Synonyms

install, lodge, nestle, perch, roost, settle

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Did You Know?

You might think of "sconce" as a type of candleholder or lamp, but the word can also refer to a defensive fortification, usually one made of earth. Originally, then, a person who was "ensconced" was enclosed in or concealed by such a structure, out of harm's way. The earliest writer to apply the verb "ensconce" with the general sense of "hide" was William Shakespeare. In The Merry Wives of Windsor, the character Falstaff, hoping to avoid detection when he is surprised during an amorous moment with Mrs. Ford, says "She shall not see me; I will ensconce me behind the arras." (An arras is a tapestry or wall hanging.)

Examples of ensconce in a Sentence

The sculpture is safely ensconced behind glass. He ensconced himself in front of the television.

Recent Examples on the Web

The resulting tsunamis wipe out entire continents, and with them all life not safely ensconced underground. The Economist, "China’s grand, gloomy sci-fi is going global," 22 June 2019 Just a few months ago, Rosenberg looked safely ensconced in the president’s chair. Adrian Walker, BostonGlobe.com, "The Massachusetts Senate is on the verge of multiple presidents, but does it have any leadership?," 1 Apr. 2018 The deceased are depicted on red carpets, surrounded by stars, nestled among twinkling diamonds, or ensconced among pink roses and doves. Washington Post, "Meet the Baltimore woman who designed a comic-book-themed funeral program," 26 Aug. 2019 The deceased are depicted on red carpets, surrounded by stars, or nestled among twinkling diamonds, or ensconced among pink roses and doves. Mckenna Oxenden, baltimoresun.com, "Meet the Baltimore woman who designed a comic book-themed program for 4-year-old Malachi Lawson’s funeral," 23 Aug. 2019 Their new house, ensconced in Tyvek wrap, is coming along; the family hopes to move in by the end of this year. Esther Mobley, SFChronicle.com, "They lost everything in the Sonoma County fires. So they decided to make some wine.," 25 July 2019 Its follow-up, Douglas, currently ensconced for five weeks at New York City’s Daryl Roth Theater, feels like both a natural extension of Nanette and a gentle buffering of it (though gentle, here, is always relative). Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, "Hannah Gadsby brings her shrewd discomfort comedy to new show Douglas," 26 July 2019 Before the Giants clubhouse was reconfigured, Bumgarner was firmly ensconced in Country Corner, with Tim Hudson and Jake Peavy. Ann Killion, SFChronicle.com, "Madison Bumgarner has been the Giants’ sure thing. Until now," 22 July 2019 Ferdinand had his daughter ensconced at the royal palace in Tordesillas in 1509 along with her youngest daughter, Catherine. Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "What Was Catherine of Aragon's Sister, Juana la Loca, Really Like?," 10 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ensconce.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of ensconce

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for ensconce

en- + sconce entry 2

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More Definitions for ensconce

ensconce

verb

English Language Learners Definition of ensconce

: to firmly place or hide (someone or something)

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More from Merriam-Webster on ensconce

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ensconce

Spanish Central: Translation of ensconce

Nglish: Translation of ensconce for Spanish Speakers